Gordon



Oct. 30, 1956 A. GORDON, JR., ET Al. 2,768,784

SEQUENTIAL INSPECTION INDICATOR Filed Aug. 6, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. AMM/V05@ www4/. Mew ,4. QffA/Waa, Je,

A. GORDON, JR., ET AL SEQUENTIAL. INSPECTION INDICATOR vOct. 30, 1356 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 6, 1952 United States Patent 2,768,784 SEQUENTIAL INSPECTION INDICATOR Alexander Gordon, Jr., Astoria, and Ivan A. Greenwood, Jr., Pleasantville, N. Y., assignors to General Precision Laboratory` IncorporatedLay corporation of New York Application August 6, 1952, Serial No. 302,948`

Claims. l (Cl. 23S- 61) This invention pertains to sequential inspection indicators, and more specifically to devices for tallying inspection results and automatically computing probabil1- ties to furnish information relative to whether the entire lot of devices under inspection should be accepted or rejected, as the case may be. l l

In industrial inspection of lots of supposedly identical product items it is often undesirable that each and every item be inspected as a basis for acceptance or rejection. In such instances only a representative sample consisting of a suitable number of items is abstracted from the whole and the items forming this sample tested and inspected. From the result of such sample inspection, a judgment is formed as to whether the entire lot is acceptable or not. Sample inspection of this nature may be made in several ways. The simplest to explain, understand, and execute is single-sample inspection. ln this method a single sample of a-suitablenumber of items is taken from the lot and all `items in the sample are tested. do not amount to more than a specified number, the entire lot is accepted, otherwise it is rejected.

The single-sample method of inspection using ay fixed number of items has two disadvantages: first, clearly good and clearly bad samples requires excessive testing time, the sample being larger than required to form a judgment; and second, border-line lots cannot be judged definitely enough because the sample is too small.

What is most desirable for economical and at the same time adequate inspection, is an adjustment of the number of items in the sample tested and inspected in accordance with the facts determined during the continuance of the inspection. If the lot is Vborder-line, the sample should be large and may even in some instances comprise the entire lot, that is, 100% inspection. If on the other hand, the lot is either all or nearly all good, or contains a great many defective items, such facts will be made apparent on inspection of a very small sample.

A sampling Amethod in which the size of sample continuously depends upon the lot quality is termed the se quential method. In thisl method a redeterminationlof.

the size of sample to be inspected is made afterevery item inspected, or after every few items are inspected.

When such sequential inspection methods can be employed a maximum economy of time and veffort is attained. T hat is, when a number of lots ofvitems are each` results as lthe items are tested is considerably more com;

plicated than in single-sample inspection. It is so much more complicated, in fact, as to have madesequential inspection impracticaljin most situations. An automatic tallying device is therefore `desirable to simplify the work If the defective items contained in the sample ice of the inspectors and to eliminate all possibility of human error in tallying. Such a device is provided by the instant invention.

`lt is obvious that in automatic inspection, as for example in the machine sizing of ball bearing, if sampling inspection is desired an automatic tallying instrument such as is provided by this invention can be employed, with automatic data insertion, thus providing the maximum economy and speed in the inspection operation by permitting the sequential method to be employed.

Such an instrument can also be applied directly in an industrial process by causing its output tally to be automatically inserted in the instrument.

One purpose of this invention then, is to provide a computing instrument in which the results of sampling inspection of a lot are tallied, and which, through sequential computation, presents in a suitable manner the required information regarding the acceptance or rejection of the lot.

Another purpose of the instant invention is to provide a sequential inspection indicator which automatically computes the size of sample that should be abstracted from a lot and which automatically indicates whether the lot should be accepted or rejected on the basis of the continuing inspection of the sample.

Fig. l is a graph representing the inspection of a sample by the sequential method.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts the circuit of the sequential inspection indicator of this invention.

Fig. 3 Villustrates the setting dials of the sequential inspection indicator.

As an example of use of this invention, let it be supposed that a large lot of items of any character, such as machine screws, is to be inspected by the sequential method. A continuous record of the inspection results is kept by plotting a chart, the number of units inspected Y being plotted as abscissae and the number of units found unsatisfactory being plotted as ordinates.

The dashed line 11 of Fig. l represents such a graph. It shows that the first four items inspected were satisfactory and the vertical line rising one unit at abscissa 5 indicates that the fifth unit inspected was unsatisfactory. The sixth unit also was unsatisfactory, as is shown by a second vertical line at abscissa 6. The seventh unit tested was satisfactory but. the eighth was not. Thus as the dashed line continues toward the right it graphically tallies or records the total number of units inspected, and as it rises at the 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 26th and 27th units it totalizes the number of units found unsatisfactory in the sample. At its right end it shows that when 27 units have been inspected l2 of them have been found unsatisfactory.

The minimum number of units that may form an inspection sample should bear some relation to the total number of units in the lot. It would be unsound, for instance, to inspect only 28 units out of a million units and expect that the result of the inspection would reflect the quality of the million lot accurately enough to accept or reject the entire lot. However, a sample quantity of 28 is usually more than adequate 'if the entire lot contains, for instance, only 50 units. In general there is for each size of lot a minimum sample quantity that may be selected for inspection so that the results vwill quite accurately ,represent the quality of the lot. The size of the sample depends primarily on the quality ofthe lot but also depends on other factors, such as the .degree of certainty desired in the final judgment of the lot as to its acceptance or rejection. Such a minimum sample number is indicated in Fig. l at abscissa seven by a solid vertical line. It signifies that nofewer than seven good units are to be inspected, and that, when all seven are ares-,refrY In the event the rst seven units inspectedl contain a certain number of unsatisfactory units. the entire lot is to be rejected. This number of unsatisfactory units that indicates the clear probabilitythat the entire lot is unacceptable is termed the bandwidth for rejection and is indicated in Fig. l by the horizontal line 12 at ordinate five. if, in inspecting seven units, five or more of them are unsatisfactory, this graph shows that the entire lot should be rejected.

The dashed line 11, indicating an inspection record, does not intersect either the vertical limit line i3 or the horizontal limit line 12. .On thel contrary, when seven units have been inspected the dashed line shows that two unsatisfactory units have beenV found. This indicates a degree of uncertaintyA callingfor enlargementof the size of sample. Thev amount by whichy the sample is enlarged for each reject found depends both on the selected minimum initialcount and on the degree of certainty desired in the nal result-and is three in Fig. l. It is represented by theV horizontal line 14. and vertical line 16 and indicates thatin this case, as a penalty for the presence of a single unsatisfactory unit in the initial or minimum sample quantity of seven, the sample size is increased by three to a sample quantity of ten. This sample increase of three is termed the subsequent count. The reject limit indicated by the line 12 also rises at abscissae seven and ten so thatth'e bandwi-th for rejection remains at tive.

The procedure of requiring asample increase every time an unsatisfactory sample is encountered is continued, giving rise to a regular step pattern 17, Yin which the rising lines are each one ordinate unit in length and the horizontal lines are each three abscissa units in length. These three-unit steps represent the. subsequent count, the magnitude of which is denoted in Fig. 1 by S. The initial count is denoted by the letter A and thebandwidth for rejection by B.

In Fig. 2 a preferred formof-the. invention for performing sequential inspection of a lot of items is schematically illustrated. The instrumentality receivesenergy for the :operation thereof from the usual power lines .and conventional power supply diagrammatically. illustrated by the rectifier 37 and lter circuit consisting of series resistor 39 and shunt condensers 3S' and'41, so that a positive potential is appliedto conductor. 40. The conductor 40 is connected to the normally closed contacts 89- of a reset switch 1S as well.,asl normallyV opencontacts 42' of a satisfactory switch 26 and normallyl open contacts 43 and 44 connected in parallel of an unsatisfactory switch 27. A stepping switch Zihaving` an actuating coil llfand a latching coil 46 is connected through conductorv 62-.to the contacts 4.2rand 43 -of the satisfactory switchV 21S-and unsatisfactory switch 27 so that actuation of either switch 26 or 27 causes the switch 2S'to.be advanced one step and the arm 64 to successively engage Vits associated contacts. In this manner the unit actuation of either switch 26 or 27 is set into the instrument.

In order that, if desired, a count of considerable proportions may also be set into the device a second stepping switch 29 having an actuating coil'ilil` and latching-coilV 47 is also provided to insert tens count-into the device. The actuating coil 103vv of this latter stepping relay is actuated by a potential applied thereto-over the conductors 162 and 101 wheneverthe arm 540i the stepping switch 28 engages its contact numbered l0, so that on each tenth advance of the stepping switch 2,8 the stepping switch`29 is actuated one step.l A

A manual selecting switch 21,V having affcontact engaging arm 66A is provided withV nine stationaryy contacts respectively interconnected with first nine/contacts of the stepping switch 2S. Similarly a manualy selecting switch 22, having a contact engagingarm V''is provided with stationary contacts respectively interconnectedlwith the stationary contacts of thesteppingfswitch 29.' Theltwo 4 manualselccting switches 21. and Z2 serve to preselect the number to be included in the initial count (A).

Additionally a manual selecting7 switch 24 having as illustrated a rotating arm 117 is provided with twenty-one fixed contacts each respectively interconnected with the entire twenty-one fixed contacts of the stepping switch 23. This latter manual selecting switch in conjunction with the stepping switch 28 serves to predetermine the number of the subsequent count (S).

Switch 28, therefore, has two functions,.namely, that of inserting the initial count (A) and the subsequent (S) into the instrument and of producing proper operation on the`occurrence of such counts. in order that this function may be separatedzand occur atthe proper times a pair of interlocked relays 49 and 51 are provided to switch an output potential path from the 'selecting switch 21 to the selecting switch 24 at the completion of the initial count (A).

Accept or reject indications are accomplished by actuation of a stepping switch 36 operated in one or the other direction by either anV actuating coil 83 or an actuating coil 111. The movable contact 4S of the stepping switch 36 has associated therewith a plurality of fixed contacts, those on one side of a selected neutral point being connected through an accept lamp 33 to ground. Those on the other side of the neutral point are connected to the respective xed contacts of a manual selecting switch 23, the movable arm 20 of which is connected through a reject lamp 34 to ground. Preferably, although not necessarily the contact engaging portion of the arm 2? is made wide enough to engage two or three of its associated xed contacts, so that a rejection indication will exist during the v movement of the stepping switch 36 over more than one of the rejection selected-contacts. Thus, if a rejection signal is not immediately noted, subsequent and further operation in the rejection direction will not produce a false indication that test should be continued but rather will continue to indicate rejection of the sample.

tions so that an indication that the instrument is in cleared condition for the beginningof a test run is given.

When it is desired tov provide a totalizer count of the actuation of the satisfactory and unsatisfactory switches counters 31 and 32 are provided for this purpose.

The-instant invention caribe perhaps best understood by considering its mode of operation under variousvassumed conditions of test of a sample from a lot ot' items, and therefore, the various potential paths will be considered in detail in accordance with certain Vassumed conditions. v

In-order to properly begin a test the instrument must first be cleared and an indication of such cleared conditions obtained. Therefore, the reset button 18 is first actuated to open contacts 89. The circuit from the positive terminal of the power supply through conductors 40 and 91, locking coil 48 of stepping switch 28 to ground is 'thus opened and switch arm 64 returns to its zero contact position by reason of spring bias associated therewith.

Likewise the switch arm 74 of the switch 29 is similiarlyv einem tor 92, arm 43 of switch 36, lamp 19, closed contacts 58 and 59 of switches 29 and 28 respectively to ground thus energizing the starting lamp 19 indicating that it is now proper to begin the test.

We must now select the parameters which will be proper for the tolerances permitted in the test we have in mind. For this purpose let us select an initial count (A) of seven, a subsequent count (S) of three and a rejector bandwidth (B) of tive as assumed in connection with procedural discussion based on the .graph of Fig. l.

The initial count is selected by moving contact 66 of switch 21 to its seventh position, the subsequent count by moving contact 117 of switch 24 to its third position and the bandwidth by moving contact 20 of switch 23 so that its lower edge first engages its fifth contact.V The switch 22 is retained in its zero position since we do not in this instance desire an initial count above ten. These manipulative steps are accomplished by rotation of the dials of Fig. 3 which are numbered in accordance with the switches to which they correspond.

Having cleared the instrument and selected the desired testing parameters we may now begin the actual testing procedure. Let it be assumed that the rst item of the lot tested is satisfactory. The operator then actuates the satisfactory button 26 which momentarily establishes a circuit from the positive terminal of the source through conductor 40, closed contacts 89 of the reset switch, closed contacts 42 of the momentarily actuated satisfactory switch 26, conductor 62, conductor 50, actuating coil 61 of the stepping switch 28, and the normally closed contact of relay 98 to ground. The arm 64 is therefore stepped to its contact numbered l.

Let it be assumed that the second item tested is unsatisfactory. In such instance, the operator actuates the unsatisfactory switch 27. Closure of the contactsl 44 and 167 by actuation of this switch establishes a circuit from the positive terminal of the source through conductor 40, normally closed contacts 89 of switch 18, momentarily closed contacts 44 and 107, conductors 62 and 50, actuating coil 61 of stepping switch 28 and the normally closed contacts of relay 98 to ground. Thusthe arm 64 is stepped to its contact numbered 2.

At the same time a second circuit is established which extends from the positive terminal of the source through Y contacts 43 and 188 of momentarily actuated switch 27, conductor 189, actuating coil 111 of stepping relay 36 to ground causing the contact arm to be actuated towards the reject limit. Since the bandwidth switch 23 has been set so that a circuit is not completed through the reject lamp 34 until the stepping switch 36 has moved its arm 48 to engage contact numbered 6, the only result of this action is to move. the arm 48 one step from its neutral position in a direction away from the accept limit and towards the reject limit. I

Now let it be assumed that the next tive items are satisfactory resulting in the operator .actuating `the satisfactory switch 26 tive successive times. -This results .1n successive stepping of the arm 64 of the switch 28 over its contacts numb-ered 3, 4, 5 and 6 and to engage contact numbered 7. Since under our original assumptions thek original count was selected as seven by setting the movable contact 66 of dial switch 21 to engage contactnumbered 7 a circuit is now established which extends from the positive terminal of the source through contacts 42 of momentarily actuated switch 26, conductor 62, arm 64 to contact numbered 7 of switch v28, contact numbered 7 of dial switch 21 and arm 66 thereof, conductor 67, at present closed contact 69 of relay 51, contact 72 ofthe same relay', arm 74 of stepping switch 29, contact numbered 0 thereof, contact numbered 0 of dial switch 22, arm 76, conductor 77, closed; contact 78 of relay 49, and actuating coil 81 thereof to ground. Relay 49 is therefore actuated at this time to shift its contact positions oppositely to that shown in Fig. 2.

Atthe same time relay 49" islocked up in this position by a circuit extending from ground through the actuating coil 81, contact 53 which is now closed, conductor 30, conductor 92, conductor 1, closed contacts 89 of the reset switch 18 to the positive terminal of the source.

Actuation of the relay 49 also establishes a circuit extending from the positive terminal of the source through arms 64 and 66 of switches 28 and 24, through conductor 67, at present closed contacts 69 of relay 51, contacts 83 now closed of relay 49,- conductor 86, vconductor 87 and actuating coil 88 of stepping switch 36 causing it to be moved onestep in the direction of the accept limit. Since this switch was previously moved one step in the direction of its reject limit by operation of the unsatisfactory switch 27 the arm 48 of the stepping switch 36 is returned to its neutral or 0 numbered contact.

Imposition of a positive potential on the conductor 87 and hence the actuating coil 88 of the switch 36 through the circuit just described additionally produces a` current ow through the actuating coil 114 of relay 51 by reason of a circuit established from ground through coil 114, closed contacts 112 to conductor 87.

Thus immediately subsequent to the actuation of relay 81 and the stepping switch 36 in a direction towards its accept limit, the relay 51 is operated to a position opposite to that shown in Fig. 2. When so actuated relay 51 is locked up by a circuit established from ground through coil 114, contacts 52 now closed, conductor 30, conductor 92, conductor 91, normally closed contacts 89 of the reset switch 18 to the positive terminal of the source. Since the lockup circuits for both relays 49 and 51 are established through the reset switch contacts any actuation of the switch will break the circuit and return relays 49 and 51 to their original position, i. e., as illustrated in Fig. 2. Y

Actuation of the relay 49 just prior to the actuation of"4 the relay 51 also results in resetting the arm 64 of stepping switch 2S to its initial position by interrupting the energization of its locking coil 46. The locking coil 46 is energized as heretofore described by a circuit which includes in part the normally closed contacts of rel-ay 98. When relay 49 is actuated while relay 51 is still in the position as illustrated in Fig. 2 a circuit is established from ground through the coil 97 of the relay 98, through conductor 96, contact 93 of relay-49, at present closed contact 69 of rel-ay 51, conductor 67, arm ,66 of dial switch 2l, contact number 7 of both switch 21 and switch 28, arm 64, conductor 62 and either the satisfactory or unsatisfactory switches 26 or27 depending on which one is momentarily closed to the positive potential terminal. Relay 93 is therefore momentarily actuated and the circuit for the latching coil 61 is broken and the arm 64 is urged towards its zero position under the force of theA retracting spring. Since immediately the arm 64 leaves the selected contact 7 the circuit described for actuating the relay 97 is broken so thatthe latching coil circuit might be reestablished before the arm 64 has completed its travel to its initial zero position, a locking circuit is established for the relay 97 which is not broken until either the satisfactory or unsatisfactory switch is released,the time ot' actuation of these switches being sufficient for the purposes at hand.

This circuit extends from ground vthrough the coil 97, contact 99 now closed, conductor 62, satisfactory or un,-

. satisfactory 'switch contactsto the positive terminal of l the source. L

ln the description of the operation thus far, the original counthas been completed with six satisfactory items and one unsatisfactory and due to the presence of the-unsatisfactory item inthe initial sample no conclusive results have been reached.` In fact the result was to first step the switch one step towards the reject limit and then one step towards the V`accept limit at the completion of the count so that the arm 48 is returned to its original neutral position' and. no conclusive indication has beenobtained. The completion of the' original count, however, resulted in actuation ofthe relays 49 -and'51 which act to transfer the mechanism from its initial count' state to the subsequent count state and to maintain the circuit in condition for acceptance of subsequent counts'until a conclusion is reached. Thus the initial count'setting determined by tlie dial switch 21"isremoved' from'the circuit by the opening of contacts 69 of relay '51 andthe subsequentcount settingof switch 24 intodu'ced'into'the circuit by the closing of contacts 119 of relay 51.

` In any subsequent period' an actuation of the unsatisfactory switch will result in an actuation of the stepping* switch 36 one step in the direction of the'rejcct limit by the circuit heretoforedescribed.' If, ofcourse, in being so actuated the arm 48 reaches 4a contact connected to acontact ofthe switch 23on`which the arm'20 reposes the reject lamp 34 will light indicating that the entire lot should be rejected. 'l

The circuit for. actuating the stepping switch towards the Vaccept limit in each series of subsequent count is, however, somewhat different from that previously described. ln the assumption originally made three was selected as an appropriate subsequent count, and the'circuits established will be described with this parameter in mind.

At the beginning of the subsequent count periods, the stepping switch 28 is in its zero position and the relays 49 and 51 are locked up. Assume now that the next three items tested are all satisfactory. After'testing each itern the switch 26 will be actuated advancing the stepping arm 64'one contact until the contact 3 is engaged thereby. When so engaged a circuit is established extending from the positive terminal of the source through thel momentarily closed contacts 42 of switch 26, conductorl 62, arm 64, contact 3 of switch 28, selected contact 3 of switch 24, arm 117, conductor 118, contact 119 of relay 51"(now closed), conductor 60, Contact 83 of relay 49 (now closed), conductor 86, conductor 37 and actuating coil 88 of stepping switch 36 causing it to move one step in the direction of the accept limit. If this switch was in its neutral position at the beginning of the subsequent' count and each item in the subsequent count was found to' be satisfactory, the actuation of the arm 48 by completion of the subsequent count would complete a circuit to energize the accept lamp 33 indicating that testing could be terminated at this point andthe entire lot accepted. Any intermediate unsatisfactory items, however, will result in actuation of the stepping switch one step in the directon of the reject limit requiring such number of subsequent counts containing satisfactory items as is equal to the number of individual unsatisfactory items.

After the completion of each subsequent count, whether accomplished by successive actuations of the satisfactory or unsatisfactory switches or a combination of actuations thereof the stepping switch 28now operating as a subsequent count recorder is reset to its zero position in a manner similar to that previously described although through a circuit which differs to some extent.

This circuit may be traced from ground through the coil 97 of the relay 98, conductor 96, contact 93 (now closed) of relay 49, conductor 60, contact 119 (now closed) of relay 51, conductor 118, switch arm 117 of selector switch 24, contacts 3 of switches 24 and 28, con? ductor 62, contactsl of satisfactoryV or unsatisfactory switches 26 and 27 to the positive terminal ot-fthe sup-Y ten so that the stepping relay 29fand its associated dial; switch was not vitally involved in the circuits established'V for original count actuation. A similar situation obtains,

however, when'a'count higher than ten is selected. Suppose forexample' the exigencies of the situation require an original'count of'seventeen, in such cases the dial switch 21 is set at 7 and the dial switch 22 at l0. After the rst seven actuations'of the stepping switch 26 when the arm 64 rests on contact 7 a circuit is not completed to actuate'relay 49 as previously described in connection with the assumed' condition of an original count of seven since the circuit previously described is broken by the displacement ofthe arm 76 of the switch 22 to its l0 position'. Thus at this time the relays 49 and 51 remain in the position illustrated in Fig. 2.

Continued,v actuation of either switch 26 or switch 27 1.51 continued to result in stepping of the arm 64 until the contact 1i) is engaged. At such time a circuit is completed from the positive terminal through arm 64, contact 10, conductor 101, conductor 192, actuating coil 103 of steppingrswitch 29, conductor 105, contact 110 of relay 49 to ground, thus actuating stepping switch arm 74 to its l0 contact. At the same time a second circuit is completed from the positive terminal through the arm 64, contact 10, conductor 101, conductor 104, closed contact 106 of relay 49, conductor 96 and coil 97 of relay 98 to ground to actuate relay 98 breaking the latching coil circuit of stepping switch 28 and permitting the arm 64 tobe returned to its starting position. After seven more actuations of either switches 26 or 27 a circuit is then. established through contacts 7 of switch 28 and switchl24,nclose'contacts 69 and 72 of relay 51, arm 74 of `switch 29now.reposing on its l() Contact, the l0 contact of switch 22, arm 76 positioned thereon, conductor 77, contact 78'of'relay 49 and operating coil 31 to ground.

Thus relays 49 and 51 are sequentially operated at this time in the manner previously described and all other circuits are'cormpleted'as heretofore set forth.

To 'summarize briefly, then, the three parameters necessary forav sequential testing'procedure may be selected at will'and set in bydial'switches 21 and 22 acting to select'th'e original count desired, dial switch 24 acting to select the subsequent count,Y and dial switch 23 acting to select the band width or tolerance.

Having selected these parameters, each actuation of the unsatisfactory switch 27 moves the stepping switch 248 one stepand'also-moves the stepping switch 36 one step towards the'reject limit; Each actuation of the satisfactory switch* alsoactuates the stepping switch 2S one stepto'continue'the counting operation but the stepping-.switch 36'is' not operateda step towards its accept limit until the stepping switch 28 and stepping switch 29, if'utilized, have been actuated such number of times as to complete the initial count set into thc instrument. The initial count having been completed relays 49 and S1, areV actuated to disconnect the stepping switch 28 from'the' initial count circuit and to connect it into the subsequent cjount circuit.

As before during the subsequent count periods each actuation' of the" unsatisfactory switch 27, moves the switch' one step towards its reject limit but the subsequentcount must becompleted by the stepping switch 28' beforethefstepping' switch 36 can be moved a step towards its jaccept limit.' Thus each'unsatisfactory item, short ofa suicient number during any period to actuate the stepping switch to its reject limit and thus indicate that the entire lotshould ber rejected, requires an increased'number of'satisfactory items to be tested before acceptance is indicated...

While. the invention has been described utilizing satisfactory and unsatisfactory vswitches which are manually actuated by the operator, it will be appreciated that in testingmanyI items the testing of the item itself may beused'as'ameans for actuatingk these switches.

Whatzlis claimed is:

l. A sequential inspection indicator for determiningV the acceptance or rejection ofa lot of 'items from a sample thereof, the number of items contained insaid sample variably depending on the continuing proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactory items inspected cromprising, a pair of momentary circuit closure means, a

means to its second limit, means for operating saidl stepping means a discrete step in the direction :towards its first limit by each actuation of one of said pair of momentary circuit closure means, and means for operating said stepping means a discrete step in the direction towards `its second limit by a predetermined multiple of actuations of either of said pair of momentary circuit closure means. j

2. A sequential inspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of a lot of items from a sample thereof, the number of items contained in said sample variably depending on the continuing proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactory items inspected comprising, a pair of momentarily operated switches, a stepping means having discrete steps of movement in one direction towards a first limit and discrete steps of movement in the opposite direction towards a second limit, rejection indicating means operated by the actuation of said stepping means to its first limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of said Stepping means to its second limit, means for operating said stepping means a discrete step in the direction towards its first limit by each actuation of one of said pair of switches, means for operating said stepping means in the direction towards its second limit by a predetermined multiple of actuations of either of said pair of switches, and means for selectively varying the number of steps encompassed said stepping means to its first limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its second limit, counting means actuated by operation of either of said pair of `switches, means operative by each actuation of one of said switches for advancing said stepping means a discrete step in the direction of its first limit and means including said counting `means for actuating said stepping means by 'a' discrete step in the direcsaid stepping means by a discrete step in the directionA of' its second limit on completion-of a selectable number of actuations of said counting means, and means for selectively Varying the number of discrete steps encompassed between said first and second limits.

5. A sequential inspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of a lot of items from a sample thereof, the number of items contained in said sample variably depending on the continuing proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactory items inspected comprising, a pair of momentarily operated switches, a steppingrmeanshaving discrete steps of movement in one direction towards a first limit and discrete steps of 4movement in the opposite direction towards a second limit,

t rejection indicating means operated by the actuation of said stepping means to its first limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its second limit, counting means successively actuated by operation of either of said pair of switches, means operative by each actuation of one of said switches for advancing said stepping means a discrete step in the direction of its first limit, means including said counting means for initially actuating said stepping means by a discrete step in the direction of its second limit on initial completion of a selectable number of actuations of said counting means, andrmeans for thereafter actuating said stepping means by discrete steps in a direction of its second limit on each completion of a second selectable number of actuations of said counting means.

6. A sequential inspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of a lotof items from a sample thereof, the number of items contained in said sample variably depending on thecontinuing proportion of satisfactory -to unsatisfactory, items inspected comprising, a pair o f momentarily operated switches, a stepping means having discrete steps of movement in one direction towards a first limit and discrete steps of movement in the opposite direction towards arsecond limit, rejection indicating means operated by the actuation of said stepping means to-.jits first limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its second limit, counting means successively actuated `by operation of either of said pair of switches, means operative by each actuation ofzone of ysaid switches for advancing said stepping means a discrete step in the directionu'of its first limit, means including said counting means for initially actuating said` stepping means by a discrete step in the direction of itsasecond limit on initial completion of a selectable number of actuationsof said counting means, means for thereafter actuating said stepping means by ndiscrete steps in a direction of its tion of its second limit on completion of a selectable 1 number of actuations of said :counting means.

4. A sequential inspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of a lot of items from a sample thereof, the number of items contained in said sample variably depending on the continuing proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactory items inspected comprising, a pair of momentarily operated switches, a stepping means having discrete stepsy of movement in one direction towards a first limit and discrete steps of movement Vin the opposite direction towards a second limit, rejection indicating means operated by the actuation of said stepping means to its first limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of saidstepping means to its secondlimit, counting-means actuated by operation of either of said pair of switches, means operative by each actuation of one of said switches for advancing said stepping means a discrete step inVv the direction of its first limit, means including said counting means for actuating direction towards'a first limitV and discrete steps of movei ent in the,o'pposite direction towards a second limit,

j rejection indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to `its lfirst limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its-.second limit, counting means successively actuated by;v

oper-ation ofreither of said pair of switches, means operative by eachfactuation of one of said switches for advanc ing said stepping means a discretestep in the direction of .its first limit, means operative by 2a `selectable number of actuations-of Vsaid counting means for actuating said stepping means a `discrete step in the direction of its second limit,V means for returning said counting means to tion of 'its second limit on4 completion of a second selectable number of actuations of said counting means, and

means for returningsaid'ecounting means to its initial` condition of operation on cach completion of said second selectable number of actuations.

8. A sequential inspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of aflot'of items from a sample thereof, the number'off'itemswcontained in'said sample variably depending on the continuingA proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactoryit'ems inspected comprising, a pair of momentarily operated switches, a stepping means having discretev steps offv movement in` one direction towards a first limit'and discrete steps of movement in the opposite direction towards-a second limit, rejection indicating meansoperativeby actuation of said stepping means to its first limit, acceptance indicating means operative by actuation o`f said stepping means to its second limit, counting means successively actuated by operation of either of said pair of switches, means operative by each actuation of one of said switches for advancing said stepping means a discrete stepin the direction of its first limit, means operative by a selectable number of actuations of said counting means for actuating said stepping means a discrete step in thee direction of its second limit, means for= returning said counting means to its initial condition of operation on completion of said selectable number of actuations, means for thereafter operating said stepping means a'discrete-step-in the direction of its second limit onl completion of a second selectable number of actuations of said counting means, means for returning said counting means to its-initial condition of operation on each completion of said second selectable number of actuations, and means for selectively adjusting the number of discrete stepsV encompassed between said first and second limits.

9. A sequential inspection indicator for determining` the acceptance or rejection of' a lot of items from a sample thereof, the numberV of items contained in said sample variably depending on the continuing proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactory items inspected comprising, a pair of momentarily operated switches, a counter including a movableucontactand a plurality of fixed contacts arranged for progressive engagement thereby, means for advancing-the progressive engagement' of said fixed contacts bysaidr movable contact'oneachy actuation of either of said switches, means-for applying a potential pulse toA said movable contact'by actuation of pulse to said first potential pulse 'operated meanse'withV each actuation of one of said switches, a second potential pulse operated means Vfor advancing said stepping means a discrete step in the direction of its second limit by application of a potential pulsewthereto, a`circuit in- Y, cluding normally open switch means interconnecting said second potential pulse operated means and a selected fixed contact of said counter, means for closing saidl switch means on engagement of said selectedffixed'contact byl said movable Contact, meansfor restoring said movable contact to its initial'operative position by actuationV of said switch means, rejection indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its first limit, and acceptance indicating means-operative vbyactuation of said stepping means to its-second limit.

l0. A sequentialinspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of alot'of-itemsrfromay sample" thereof, thenumber of items contained insaid sampleY variably depending on theA continuing proportion of;

12 satisfactory-to unsatisfactory items inspected comprising, apair of momentarily operated switches, a counter including a movable contact and a plurality of fixed contacts arranged for progressive engagement thereby, meansv for progressively advancing theengagement'of said movable contact with successive ones of said fixed contacts by each actuation of either of said switches, means for applyingl a potential pulse to said movable contact by actuation of either of said switches, stepping means operative in discrete steps in either of two opposite directions towards first and second limits, a first actuating means for advancing said stepping means a discrete step in the direction of its first limit on each application of a potential pulse thereto, means for applying a. potential pulsc to said first actuating means by each operation of one of said switches, a second actuating means for advancing said stepping means a discrete step in the direction of its second limit on each. application of a pulse thereto, a first circuit interconnecting a selected fixed' contact of Vsaid'counter and said second actuating means, said first circuit including normally closed contacts and normally open contacts, a second circuit interconnecting a selected fixed contact of said counter and said second actuating means, said second circuit including normally open contacts, first contact actuating means operated by engagement of said movable contact with said first mentioned selected fixed contact to close the normally open contacts of said first circuit, second contact actuatingy means operated by actuations of said first contact engaging means to open said normally close contacts of said first circuit and simultaneously close the normally open contacts of said second circuit, means operative by they engagement of said movable contact with eitnerk of said first or second mentioned selected fixed contacts and the actuation of said first contact actuating means for restoring said movable contact to its initial condition, rejection indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its first limit, and acceptance indicating means operative by actuation of said stepping means to its second limit.

1l. AA sequential inspection indicator as set forth in claim l0 including a first adjustable selector switch connected in said first circuit and to a plurality of said fixed contacts, and a second adjustablev selector switch connected in said second circuitand toa plurality of said xed contacts whereby saidfirst mentioned selected fixed contact maybe any one of said rplurality of fixed contacts and said second mentionediselected fixed contact may likewise be any one of said plurality of fixed contacts.

l2. A sequential inspection indicatoras set forth in claim Vli including means` for selectively varying the number of steps encompassed between said first and second limits.

l3. A sequential inspection indicator for determining the acceptance or rejection of a lot of items from a sample thereof, the number of 'items contained in said sample variably depending on the continuing proportion of satisfactory to unsatisfactory items inspected comprising, a

, pair ofmomentarily operated switches, a counter including a movable contact and a plurality of fixed contacts arranged for progressive engagement thereby, means'for progressively advancing theengagement of said movable contact with successive ones of said fixed contacts by each actuation of either of said switches, means for applying a potential pulse to saidmovable contact by actuation of either of said switches, stepping means operative in discrete steps in either of two opposite directions towards first and second, limits, a first actuating means for advancing said stepping meansy a discrete step in the direction of its first limit on each application of,k a pulse thereto, means for applying a potential pulse to said first actuating means by each operation of one-of'said switchesa secondactuatingmeans for advancing said stepping means a discrete xed contact of said counter and said second actuating means, a second circuit interconnecting a selected fixed contact of said counter and said second actuating means, a iirst relay having a pair of normally open contacts interposed in said first circuit, a second relay having a pair of normally open contacts interposed in said second circuit and a pair of normally closed contacts interposed in said second circuit, circuit means for operating said first relay on the engagement of said first mentioned selected ixed contact by said movable contact, circuit means for operating said second relay by actuation of said first relay, lockup means for each of said relays, means operated by actuation of said rst relay and the engagement of said first mentioned selected fixed contact for restoring said movable contact to its initial position, means operated by said second relay for inhibiting operation of said last mentioned means and for restoring said movable contact to its original position on engagement thereby with said second mentioned selected xed contact, rejection indicating means operated by actuation of said stepping means to its rst limit, and acceptance indicating means operated by actuation of said stepping means to its second limit.

14. A sequential inspection indicator as set forth in claim 13 including a rst adjustable selector switch interposed in said first circuit, said first selector switch having a plurality of xed contacts connected to respective fixed contacts of said counter and a movable contact engageable with any one of the fixed contacts thereof and a second adjustable selector switch interposed in said second circuit, said second selector switch having a plurality of fixed contacts connected to respective fixed contacts of said counter and a movable contact engageable with any one of the fixed contacts thereof.

15. A sequential inspection indicator as set forth in claim 14 including means for selectively varying the number of steps encompassed between said first and second limits.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,549,071 Dusek Apr. 17, 1951 2,560,172 Jones July 10, 1951 2,594,865 Bumstead Apr. 29, 1952 2,594,960 May Apr. 29, 1952 2,604,262 Phelps July 22, 1952 2,622,802 Handley Dec. 23, 1952 

